Within the last years a high number of large ships has been lost. The causes of accidents are in many cases believed to be ´rogue waves´. These are individual waves of exceptional wave height or abnormal shape. In this project properties of and forecasting abilities for low frequency wave fields, extreme individual waves and wave groups are investigated for both deep and shallow waters. New design criteria considering the impact of rogue waves on ships and offshore constructions will be derived. The innovation is the combination of new oceanographic knowledge and ocean wave data resources with new approaches to vessels, marine construction, design and operation. It addresses the needs of coastal engineers and port designers/operators in terms of influence and impacts of extreme waves. The main objective is to provide a quality-based metocean information product for the benefit of both high sea and coastal zone operating industry and authorities.